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Bankole re-arraignment puts Tambuwal on the edge

Speaker Dimeji Bankole and his deputy Nafada

The re-arraignment of Demeji Bankole, the former speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, has put the serving speaker, Aminu Tambuwal on he edge.

Mr Tambuwal is said to have gotten a share from the monies the former speaker is being charged for misappropriating. The current speaker was a great ally of the former and the Deputy Chief Whip of the House. He was also listed as part of the beneficiaries of the loot for which Mr. Bankole is currently held for.

Emeka Ihedioha, the current deputy speaker is also named in the fraud. He declined to comment on the matter, especially on the House’s preparedness to deal with looming arrest of its leaders.

A Federal High Court Judge, Donatus Okorowa, had on Monday morning granted bail to fMr Bankole, who is facing charges on 16 counts of fraud.

Mr. Bankole Bail was granted in the sum of N5 million and one surety in like sum required. The surety, according to the judge, must have landed property in Abuja and the surety must submit document of landed property to court for verification of authenticity.

Both Bankole and his surety are to submit travel documents to the court.

Mr. Bankole’s freedom was, however, short-lived as he was re-arrested in the court premises and driven to a Federal Capital Territory High Court for a fresh charge of fraud and abuse of office. He is being charged for collecting a N40b loan from a bank three days to the expiration of their term.

He will be arraigned alongside his deputy, Usman Nafada, whose car crashed last night on his way to honor an invitation of the EFCC.